See the Cast of ‘A Christmas Story’ Then and Now

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the release of 'A Christmas Story,' arguably the greatest Christmas film of all time -- there is a reason, after all, that TBS plays it for 24 hours straight on the holiday, right? The film follows poor Ralphie, a kid who only wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. But his parents, his teacher, and even Santa tell him he'll shoot his eye out, and it seems that Christmas will be ruined. 30 years later, we take a look back at Ralphie and the rest of the cast of 'A Christmas Story' and see where they are now.

Peter Billingsley, Ralphie Parker

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Then: Peter Billingsley played wide-eyed Ralphie Parker, a kid who just wants a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock and "the thing which tells time."

Now: Billingsley never shot his eye out -- instead, he shoots with his eye from behind the camera, as the producer of 'Iron Man' and 'The Break-Up,' and the director of 'Couples Retreat.' Obviously, he's friends and works often with Vince Vaughn. Currently he directs the sitcom 'Sullivan and Son.'

Ian Petrella, Randy Parker

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Then: Ian Petrella played Randy, Ralphie's juvenile little brother who has to pretend to be a a pig so he'll eat his dinner.

Now: Following his work as a child actor, Petrella became a puppeteer and an animator before spending some time as a tour guide at the original 'Christmas Story' house in Ohio.

Melinda Dillon, Mrs. Parker

MGM/New Line

Then: Melinda Dillon was cast as Ralphie and Randy's mom based on a similar performance she gave in Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.'

Now: Dillon has also appeared in the films 'Harry and the Hendersons,' 'Magnolia' (pictured above, right), and 'Reign Over Me.' Her most recent part was a recurring role on the 2007 drama 'Heartland,' though she hasn't appeared in anything since.

Scott Schwartz, Flick

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Then: Scott Schwartz played Flick, whom the kids all convinced to stick his tongue to the frozen flag pole.

Now: Schwartz managed adult film actors and appeared in a few adult films (in a non-sexual capacity) before quitting in 2000 because he was "tired of the industry." He has created a line of celebrity trading cards, and when his former friend and co-star Corey Haim passed away in 2010, Schwartz helped the Haim family sell his belongings on eBay.

R.D. Robb, Schwartz

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Then: R.D. Robb made his acting debut as Schwartz, one of Ralphie's friends.

Now: After making appearances in 'The Brady Bunch Movie' and 'Matilda,' Robb directed the critically acclaimed 2001 short film 'Don's Plum,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire. The actors sued to prevent the release of the film in North America.

Zack Ward, Scut Farkus

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Then: Zack Ward played weaselly bully Scut Farkus.

Now: Ward has had a consistently successful acting career ever since 'A Christmas Story,' including film roles in 'Almost Famous,' 'Freddy vs. Jason,' and 'Postal.' He recently appeared in episodes of 'Hawaii Five-0' and 'The Exes.'